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@hailinel: Yeah, it worked just because of how plausible it seemed based on the narrative, and how there is a passing resemblance between the two.

Oh, and the timeline comment was directed generally. However, based on what's been presented so far, I'd wager that IV is setting itself up to be connected somewhere, and not just to Strange Journey. People have said that the "Year 1492" may not refer to AD, but perhaps "After Tokyo 199X." Interesting theory, but I'm hoping it's something more original.

@hailinel: Apparently that whole Hijiri/Aleph thing was made up. Still, it's gone on for so long that I don't know what to believe, but it probably shouldn't inform what is "canon" in a "timeline."

Basically, don't get hung up on the idea of a timeline in SMT. There are some games with obvious connections to one another, but Nocturne came in and was basically like "this shit doesn't matter." The games' stories are stronger when they don't have to have to be weighed down by narrative baggage from other titles where the world is constantly destroyed.

Liquid Kids needs the alias Mizubaku Daibouken, its Japanese title.

Okuninushi also needs the alias Oukuninushi.

One more edit: Goumaden needs the aliases Gouma-Den and Hotel Goumaden.

I lied: Dr. Victor should be renamed to Victor, and Dr. Victor kept as an alias. He's not referred to as a doctor in all the games in which he appears.

Shin Sangoku Musou 7 has been officially announced for Western release as Dynasty Warriors 8, so a rename is in order.

The linked preorder page from the official English website lists the game being in stock on July 16. Hasn't been officially confirmed yet, but seems plausible enough.

@bisonhero: Well, the battle perspective seems to be a result of technical limitations. Nocturne had everything in full 3D, but it also had a relatively tiny demon roster as a result. IV's 400+ would have never seen the light of day without them going for 2D, first-person battles. There should be constant variety in the battles.

Besides, IV will have full 3D dungeon exploration, and yes, you're right, the meat of the game is exploration in a hostile environment, less visual novel (though from previews it looks like IV will have more exposition than previous games).

SMT is there to make you hate yourself, Persona is there to reaffirm yourself.

Actually, it's more than just a darker tone. Imagine if instead of set allies you created a party out of your personas, then you get an idea. SMT is generally about stripping the humanity out of its cast. No rainbow pop here. Though IV will without a doubt be the friendliest to newcomers yet.

http://www.atlus.com/smt4/index.html

Coming this summer!!

@mrpibb: I just came here to say my 3000 images, which have been gone since the relaunch, are back! Thank you so much!

Vagrant Story is great because you can approach the game multiple ways.

You can spend the time and go crazy (literally and figuratively) building up weapons for the different enemy types. OR you can do what I usually do and ignore weapon types entirely in favor of chaining. You will always accumulate big damage if you chain, and management of your Risk stops mattering once you understand how much damage your foes can deal (as to not die on a critical hit) and that they always have a limb that's susceptible to endless chaining.

For first time players though, it's probably best to stick to lugging around situational weapons and using the range of buffs and Break Arts.